KOOKABABY ™

Lost Hat

2012-01-27T11:40:00.003-05:00

A good friend lost her little ones hat while we were out and about. I HATE losing things, I hate the feeling and then not finding it! UGH! So as a way to ease the pain I quick knit her a hat.

Somewhat reluctant model

The low down,
Pattern: Quynn by Woolly Wormhead
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran and
a bit of leftover Classic Elite Yarns Liberty Wool from this sweater.

Retro Fabulous?

2012-01-15T14:06:00.000-05:00

Or retro hideous?

I say retro because the color combo reminds me of a 70's crochet afghan my grandmother had. I ask because I'm not sure I want to continue of it's leaning towards the hideous side of things. If I carry on it will turn into a little vest with race car buttons for Astas.

Be honest!

Post Holiday Crafty Wrap Up

2012-01-03T13:47:00.001-05:00

I was a busy elf this holiday season and made a couple of things for the boys.

If you may remember from my last post Bunny had his own stocking. Bunny also had a wish list, on it was a pair of fairy wing.

Hand sewn with sparkly green embroidery thread which is a really pain to work with.

I added floral wire to keep them from being too floppy.

The boys got tiny mice in their stockings. They can be found at stores with sleeping bags but cost about $10 more. I opted to knit my own wee little sleeping bags from yarn I had laying about.

So hard to embroider a letter "A"

Holly Jolly Crafty Christmas!

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Way back in the beginning of December at the insistence of my four year old we went out on a rainy Sunday to get our tree. I was pestered into putting our tree up and decorations out earlier than planned. Bottom line, my boy has the spirit!

So hard to get a clear picture with all the rain.

As we go careening in to Christmas (where the heck has the time gone) we have done our fair share of holiday crafts. The first of which was a handmade stocking. A stocking made for Loki's bunny because if Bunny didn't have stocking "how would he get any presents?" I agreed quickly because believe it or not an idea formed instantly.

The Low Down:
Material: Two pieces of red sparkly poly felt, some scrap yarn and a wide eyed blunt tipped needle. Embellishments of choice, ours happened to be a pink iron n B.

Right sides facing.

I drew out a stocking shape then I cut it out and punched holes in the felt.

After this I went back and widened with the blunt needle.

I then handed it over to Loki. He was impressively good at sewing it up. He didn't skip a hole and the only tangles came from the yarn being too long (which I had to adjust) . It was super fun and simple.

Working into the wee hours of the night. Please excuse the grainy pictures.

After it was done I had Loki tell me where to place the B and then ironed it on for him. Not ready to let a four year old operate a hot as fire iron just yet.

A boy, his bunny and a freshly hand made stocking!

Gingerbread Goodness

2011-12-20T14:36:00.000-05:00

We have been busy around here with all sorts of fun holiday activities. We chopped down a tree, hung our stocking and we are renovating a small part of our house. Yes, we added on the stress of knocking down a wall to our holiday checklist.

Amidst the chaos of saws and hamming we made our very first gingerbread house from scratch! With the help of my sister and niece we managed to engineer and pretty good looking structure without the use of a template. We googled a basic recipe and set to work.

All the pieces.

Ready to get started.

Working hard.

Royal icing to stick things together.

It's done!

The proud builders.

I did all the sticking together of the house pieces and then I let the kids do the rest with no help and very little guidance from me. Although I did have to sometimes spread the icing on or blob it where directed. I think we all did a pretty nice job.

Unselfish Knitting

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have been knitting a ton of stuff for myself lately. I have three projects half way done and a couple more I'm dreaming up for me and only me. I also have two that are done except for blocking, sigh, I really dread blocking.

I have a couple of ladies I know due with their first born, one of them a girl. I took that as an opportunity this past week to take a break from my selfish knitting and whip up a tiny girly cardigan.

I have long been itching to knit something girly and so I took this as my chance. What's funny is that when I was searching for patterns I had a really hard time. Most of the newborn knits where things that I'd knit for the boys, hum? The other thing that made it hard was my time frame. I needed something quick, but cute. Cutting it close is an understatement. I cast on Tuesday for a sweater that needed to be done by Sunday. I finished knitting on Thursday, wove in ends on Friday and gifted on Sunday. Phew! Talk about speed knitting.

I'm really pleased with this little cardigan. It was such a fast, fast knit with enough stuff going on to keep it interesting.

The Low Down
Pattern: Lillie Baby Cardigan
Yarn: Liberty Wool
Mods: I used size 10 needles to make it a tiny bit bigger. I did one extra buttonhole (4 buttons) by knitting 5 extra rows and Knit 19 rounds (left out Purl row)for sleeve then worked 2 repeats of feather and fan.

I used silver buttons but really wanted to go for red or bright green. I wasn't sure if the mom to be would like the contrast so I played it safe and really like the way it turned out. The end result is less baby more classy.

Finding Marbles

2011-11-28T23:40:00.000-05:00

I have a very vivid memory of my most favorite teacher, she was my third grade teacher and her class has given me many memories I still carry with me.

This particular memory involves a, what seemed at the time, huge mason jar and some marbles. As a class we earned marbles for things like actually being silent for silent reading, walking quietly in the hall, not terrorizing the sub, and you know, good things. When the jar was full we earned a whole hour of recess. I remember how she would quietly walk to the jar and drop a marble in while we were doing an activity as asked. The sound of the the glass on glass energized us to keep at it and made us all feel proud.

Why in the heck am I telling you this? Well, because some teachers lessons last a lifetime. I have been having some major battles with my 4yo about TV, full out tantrums. We were lucky to have skipped over the terrible twos and somehow landed in the crazy 4 1/2s. I tried all sorts of thing to no avail, then I remembered the marbles.

It has worked like a dream! We are down to maybe 2 shows a week adding up to a half hour or 45 minutes at most. No crying for more or even asking at all until the jar is filled to just past the pink paper.

Arrow indicated where the marbles need to be.

Marbles are earned for all sorts of good behaviours from picking up unprompted to doing things the 1st time I ask. Once full the marbles are turned in for two shows. Simple!

A really full jar.

The thing I like best is that instead of getting punished for "bad" behavior we get to focus on all the good stuff that is going on. It has changed our whole mindset, both his and mine.

Fabric Love

2011-11-26T08:57:00.001-05:00

Long ago I made a sort of pact with myself to only by fabric or yarn with a project in mind. So far I have been really good about it, although that doesn't mean I have a stash of someday project yarn (and fabric) laying around.

When I came across the Loulouthi collection from Anna Maria Horner I really wanted to buy some of it but had nothing in mind and really didn't need another project. What did I do? I plan on making a king size quilt and bought a bunch of fat quarters, that's what.

30 Fat Quarters! I need more to actually make the quilt.

Lined up all pretty!

With my track record on quilts I'm saying this will be done in oooh, say 5 years? I kid, I hope. I'm aiming for early 2012! Wish me luck!

Critters for Warmer Necks

2011-11-09T08:07:00.001-05:00

Since the hats I made last year for the boys still fit and I haven't made a scarf in ages these cute critters seemed like just the right thing. Half toy, half practical winter garment.

The Low Down

Pattern: Morehouse Farm Frog Scarf , I bought it as a kit but you can also just buy the pattern

Yarn: Morehouse Merino 2 ply

Modifications: I increased less for the head to make the scarf as a whole smaller so that it would be kid sized and I knit the legs for only 15 repeats. I also put stitches on a holder instead of binding off for front legs because I really do not like the backwards loop cast on (or as they call it in the pattern an e loop cast on)

New Measurements: widest part of mouth 4",body 2 1/2" wide, 39 1/2" long from tip of toes to bottom of toes.

He loves that the mouth can open.

I don't know if you can tell but there is a band aid that you can just barely see on Loki's forehead. Don't worry he's fine it's just for show. It all started when I told him the story of peter pan. The thing that stuck was Tinkerbell, he is now totally into fairies. He has been wearing wings from my costume all week, even to bed. Enter the Tinkerbell and friends band aids that my Mom got him. He used them up the very 1st day on himself and his stuffed animals. All but one fell off. He is going on 4 days wearing this band aid on his forehead. Nothing I can do or say can convince him to take it off. I may just have to do it in his sleep.

Moving on...

The Low Down

Pattern: Morehouse Farm Baby Alligator Scarf

Yarn: Gator 2 ply

Modifications: None!

Do you know how hard it is to get one kid let alone two to pose together for anything? It's hard. Between asking to see on the camera, goofing off and pushing each other it's darn near impossible to snap both looking at the camera.

It was between this,

or this.

and a few others they were just blurs

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T20:16:00.000-04:00

About a month ago my oldest told me he wanted to be a bat for Halloween. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that "YES, I can make that!" Wouldn't you know it I actually could.

The low down:
Pattern: Get ready...I totally made it up! I used a plastic glow in the dark bat for reference, free hand sketched it out and man it turned out pretty darn good.

Fabric: 80% wool felt
Notions: Boning and elastic.
Other materials: Black hoodie and black pants.

I made two separate wings, each with 3 pieces of boning, one at the top and two in the main wing to mimic a bats bones and to give the wings shape. The cool thing about the boning is that it's just hard enough to give the wings a great shape but soft, bendy and light enough that a 4 year old can still roll around, jump, eat dinner and dance without them being in the way.

I connected the two wings together at the upper back so they stayed together but had lots of range to move freely. I attached 4 loops of elastic. One loop at each wrist and one loop at each shoulder. I made them a bit loose. I imagine these will go in our dress up box and will be used over and over and as they grow I still want them to fit.

Lastly I sewed ears onto the hood of the black sweatshirt. You would think this would be the easiest part, nope. I redid them 4 times and finally gave up and just went with what I had.

The only thing that really matters is that he totally loves his bat costume. My little one got the shaft and has a very cute chicken costume we found at a second hand store, luckily he loves it and has a mean "Balk".

Action shot!

Fab Fall Friday

2011-10-28T14:15:00.000-04:00

After being sick all week we were glad to feel better just in time for a chilly but super sunny day!

He had just said "this is so pretty"

Crazy Lady

2011-10-18T20:47:00.002-04:00

Sometime in August I hit a knitting drought *gasp*. I had several finished objects, which means in my world that they were off the needles not actually, you know, "finished".

What did I do?

Yup, four projects I'm currently working on.

I went a little crazy!

But wait, that's not all!

Add in a sweater for my mom and...

one for me because 5 projects just didn't cut it.

Gone Fishing!

2011-10-10T13:57:00.004-04:00

More Slap Dash Sewing stuff...Introducing the Slap Dash Fishing Game.

The Low down:
Fabric: odds and end of stuff I'm not crazy about
Other Materials: Poly-fil, weak magnets in the fish, high power magnets in the hooks, sticks from the yard, cotton string.

A game of patience.

I did the fish freehand because my goal was to get it done as soon as possible. They about 6 inches long with a magnet in the mouth area and stuffed with poly-fil. I fashioned some "hooks"with scraps leftover from the fish and high powered magnets. I sewed this to a cotton string then tied it to a stick I had the boys pick out.

If I were to make this again I think I'd put the high powered magnet in the fish and the weak one in the hook. I think I'd also use a bit less stuffing so the fish were lighter.

Can you tell which are fish and which are leaves?

I imagine this will be an indoor game in the winter when we are stuck inside and dreaming of warmer weather.

For now it's fun enjoying an Indian summer fishing in our yard.

I Love Cables!

2011-10-02T15:30:00.001-04:00

I just now, this very second (well about 20 minutes ago) I finished my first snuggly fall project.

I have a long sweater I bought at Old Navy waay back in 2000 or something like that. It's polyester and kinda frumpy, but I wear it at home all the time. As soon as I saw the cover of the fall issue of Interweave Knits peeking out of my mailbox I knew the Cardiff Coat would be a perfect replacement for my junky sweater.

Cardiff Coat not the junky sweater of old.

I've set about this season to challenge myself more when it comes to knitting. This pattern fit the bill. It was top down (which I love) it would be my 2nd cable project (a challenge) and it has reversible cables too (another challenge)!

The pretty pretty back view...ooh I love cables!

The Low Down
Pattern: Cardiff Coat by Jennifer Wood
Yarn: Ushya by Mirasol Yarn
Modifications: I knit the sleeves a bit longer because I like um that way.

Ooh you lovely cables you! These are the reversible ones.

As a way to challenge myself I did all the cables without a needle. A skill I taught myself while knitting this very cardigan. It was so great to not have to fiddle around with an extra needle. It's a little like living on the knitting edge because you have to let your stitches dangle in mid air for a half a second.

I'm going to let you in on a few mishaps that happened while knitting this coat, but before I do that I'm going to confess that I pretty much make a least one mistake in every project I make. I think mostly it's because I'm knitting while watching TV so I'm not always paying the closest attention. Usually I go back a fix it if need be.

With this coat I made a serious error in the cables in that I totally forgot to do them in one part, EEK!
This wouldn't really be a problem except that I didn't notice until well after dividing for the arms. What did I do? I just left it. Chalked it up to to late and kept knitting.

Candid photo shoot photo.

I also want to mention that I have yet to block this thing because I really love the cable all puffy. I wish that I would have considered this when deciding on what size because I would have made it one size larger. I think when I work up the motivation to blocking it It will lengthen a bit and fit much better, but for now I'm wearing it as is.

Say It Ain't So!

2011-09-03T13:47:00.000-04:00

Seriously, summer is not over until September 23rd...

I managed to squeak in one last summer knitting project just in time to wear for some HOT September days, it's 90 out right now as I type this.

Clever construction starts with the little lace at the front and then you cast on stitches after it's done for the body.

I pick this lovely pattern because I was bound and determined to show that you do not need to drop your sticks when the weather gets above 70. Also, it's really pretty, knit from the top down and it is not just miles and miles of stockinette stitch.

There is a little bit of lace.

Some cool and again clever "shaping" that comes from the angled stripes.

The Low Down:
Pattern: Erquy by Heather Dixon (whom I think is so creative)
Yarn: Koigu kkpm and Cascade Ultra Pima
Modifications: I added 3 rows of angled stripes and due to running out of yarn used the Koigu for the last rows of the lace bottom. I also did a crochet edging on the top because I had to do the last part of the strap with Koigu (ran out of cascade) and wanted it to blend a bit better. Raveled here

Oh, I almost forgot I did not do a backward loop cast on. I really hate them and with so many stitches it was just going to be a mess so I actually cast on with a long tail cast on instead. This meant I had 3 separate pieces of knitting when I joined in the round.

Crochet edge done with Koigu

Back view to show the straps, it looks fine..right?

I am actually not so happy with how I look in it, but I am happy with how it turned out as a whole. If I were to knit this again I'd go up a size so it wouldn't show the ladders where it was increases/decreased and I would most definitely make it even longer.

I am holding on to summer for as long as I can even though I have somehow managed to have almost already completed my first fall project. I am in no way looking forward to wearing it anytime soon. Well... maybe just a teeny, tiny bit.

Slacker Sweater

2011-08-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Belted with an amazing belt from my fav, Anthropologie.

This was literally a year in the making from start to finish. The yarn was a pain to work with and I swore that I would never ever use cotton yarn again (more on that aonther time). I also used a different yarn for the trim which just made for almost unbearably slooooow going and I don't recommend it. At least the end result is a good one, no?

The Low Down

Pattern: Lilas by Hilary Smith Callis

Yarn: Louisa Harding nautical cotton, Louisa Harding Glisten for the trim.

Modifications: I just made it a tad longer and the sleeves a tad shorter.

I must mention the lack of real good photos. Boy, it is so hard to take pictures of yourself. Seriously, even with a tripod, if the lights not right or your pose is off or a kid runs into the picture the picture is blown. It's really easy to talk myself out of a photo shoot. If it weren't for that I'd probably blog more often. I hate taking the photos, there I said it. I like creating the "things" and talking about them but I really dislike the taking of the photo, uploading and placing the picture on the blog. UGH! So I'm sorry for the lame photos but it was this or wait another month for the stars to align.

It's a Cool Koolhaas

2011-07-11T10:57:00.009-04:00

What's that you say? It's 90 degrees and I'm wearing a hat?

Well, it is made out of wool and SILK, silk, which is cool right?

As you can see I'm knitting out of season but, man I have been wanting to knit this hat for ages and I had all this yarn leftover from my buttercup shirt and I've been wanting get over the hump over doing a cabled pattern. Perfect! Let's knit a hat in the heat (and I mean HEAT) of the summer.

Can you tell that this is not me?

The Low Down

Pattern: Koolhaas by Jared Flood

Yarn: Silky Wool by Elsebeth Lavold

I love this yarn! It is soft and light and pretty. It's also a joy for me to knit with. I highly recommend trying it if you haven't already.

The way this hat decreases and keeps the pattern is so wonderful. I really liked making this hat, but I'm not sure I like all the fiddlyness of handling a cable needle. I think I'm going to have to learn to do it without a needle. I like to keep things as simple (and lazy) as possible. Although I did like working with the wooden brittany cable needle. It had a nice feel to it and it didn't slip out too easy, plus it looks nice.

High Hopes and a Birthday

2011-07-02T10:11:00.016-04:00

Just over a week ago I went on a 20 hour drive to Florida and back. Of course the first thing I thought of was "ooh, so much time for knitting". I packed two knitting projects, one that I had just started and another to cast on while on the road.

I had visions of returning with at least one project complete. Visions they were, high hopes that went unfulfilled. I got next to no knitting done. Oh well..

At least we had fun doing other things.

Also, somehow, last Saturday my baby turned 2! How in the world did that happen?

Just waking up on the morning of his 2nd birthday! I got this idea from watching The View (don't ask me why I was watching it) Take a picture as they wake up every birthday, then when they are 18 you have all these 1st morning pictures.

1st birthday

I even tried my hand at decorating the outside a bit. I came up with ballon tree at the last minute.

Balloons in the wind.

Strawberries from the farmers market.

Loving Purple Right Now

2011-06-11T13:33:00.005-04:00

Hum, is it creepy to have a headless picture? This was the best close up.

The Low Down

Pattern: Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier

Yarn: Silky Wool by Elsebeth Lavold in Lt. Purple and Dk purple

Modifications: Clearly I used a different color to edge the bottom and the sleeves. I also only did 4 A-line increases instead of 6 because it was already looking rather wide.

Strike a pose! It really feels weird to take pictures of yourself

First off, I love, love the yarn. It is a joy to knit with and I'm already plotting what I can make next with it. Second, I love this pattern but am not super happy with how it looks on me.

The top is a bit big . I knit the size XS and it's still big. Also I must have done something wrong with the sleeves because instead of being a cute princess style they just look too big and long. I also think I could have gone a tad longer to have a more tunic look. Maybe, just maybe, I should have gone ahead and done all the increases to have a true A-line shape and then it might be more flattering on me.

I already cast on with a different yarn to make a second one with all kinds of modifications. Will see how it goes.

Something Old, Something New.

2011-05-16T13:32:00.009-04:00

This sweater is not actually that old. I started knitting it in January and finished weaving in ends about two weeks ago. I wouldn't call it finished because man, I can not figure out how to close this sucker. This was also the hardest thing to photograph, granted I am almost always shooting the pictures myself and that makes it even harder, but for some reason this was really hard. I just finally gave up.

Me looking dreamy. Close up of the collar

The low down

Pattern: I made this up. After searching Ravelry for patterns that matched my yarn/gauge I used several as guides but ultimately knit til it fit, divided for sleeves and body and then as I went shaped it just so in the middle so the fronts would meet. When all was said and done I didn't like it so I added a ruffle. For some reason this sweater reminds me of a Frilled Neck Lizard, so I'm calling this the Frilled Neck Cadi.

Yarn: Noro Taiyo

Gauge: 4 stitches = 1 inch

I did not put any buttonholes and now I have no idea what to do about how to have the cardigan close. Any Ideas?

Out of desperation I enlisted the help of my 4 year old. Can you tell?

I have no idea whats going on with my hands here but this one one of the "best" shots of the sweater.

On to the something new!! As I mentioned in my previous post I finished everything I had on needles and was waiting for yarn for my next project.

Light purple silky wool

It came last week and I jumped for joy when I opened the package.This yarn was better than expected! I love the pale lavender color and it's going to make one great summer top. Stay tuned.

Spinning in the Sun!

2011-05-11T07:52:00.003-04:00

Not perfect yarn. I need to spin more often

I ran out of things to knit (i.e. my yarn has yet to come for my next project) I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't sew outside, well I guess I could have hand sewn something but no.

Insead I hauled out my spinning wheel, an Ashford Joy that I got in 2003 or something like that. It took me awhile to remember what I was doing but it came back to me, sort of.

I was in my driveway/patio spinning while the kids played.

Slap Dash Toolbelt

2011-05-06T08:35:00.002-04:00

Last week I found Loki trying to tie up his tools around his waist with my jump rope, but he kept yelling out "Oh NO! They just keep falling". To calm him down I told him I'd make him a tool belt. Um, ok so I made a promise of sorts and had to set about making a Loki sized tool belt. Oh boy, what did I get myself into?

Notice the "digger" in the background?

He was inspired to bring his tool belt outside for it's first test run.

I call this belt "slap dash" because I just made it up as I went and tried to get it done as quickly as possible. I measured his waist and added a couple inches for the fold over velcro fastener, but did not account for the space the tools would take up so it's a bit snug.

I used a canvas fabric for the belt part and a quilt weight fabric for the pockets and loops. I hot glued a velcro button closer so that it would be something he can put on and take off all by himself.

I think I'm going to have to make a second one for his lil' brother. So I will take another run at making a toddler tool belt and may try my had at a blog tutorial about it (if it turns out).

What? I'm just working on this car here.

Shazam Shalom, you can do it too!

2011-04-29T18:49:00.014-04:00

Pretty button that cost almost as much as the yarn

Really on a roll now. I knit this in...wait for it...a week from start to finish not including the dang blocking which this sweater does need.

Unblocked

I actually started this sweater on Thursday the 21st but had to frog and start over and I finished it on Thursday the 28th but didn't have a button and had to go get one on Friday.

Blocked, this sweater has an odd shaped when flat but looks really nice on.

The Low Down

Pattern: Shalom

Yarn: Cascade Eco Wool

Gauge: 13 Stitches = 4 Inches

I was hot to knit this because I'm teaching a class about top down sweaters at my LYS Knit Around in Ann Arbor in fact this very pattern. I have already made a Shalom once before but it was modified in all kinds of ways (sleeves, no waist shaping, short rows in the back). The challenge here was to knit it as written.

When I say challenge I mean it. It took everything I had not to modify this pattern, not because it's a poor pattern but as it turns out I don't think I've made anything lately that was as written. It's a bad habit I have of just changing stuff. Liking the basics but doing things to make it exactly what I want or how I like to knit.

So hard to take a picture to capture how nice it looks.

Probably didn't help that I was the model and Photographer.

This sweater is a great first sweater for any knitter who knows how to knit and purl. You learn a lot, you can finish it pretty quickly, and there are only two ends to weave in! If your interested and live near the Ann Arbor area sign up! Class is in the evening 6-7:30 May 25th and June 8th.

Toe up class!

2011-04-29T18:16:00.005-04:00

Recognize the yarn from these? Leftover from Birthday Bear!

Better late than never is really a saying I use too much but it's so applies to many things I (eventually) do. I made these socks for Loki as a result of teaching a two at a time, toe up, magic loop sock class (say that three times fast) this past January at Knit Around Yarn Shop here in Ann Arbor.

The low down:

Pattern: Custom as you go

Yarn: Koigu Kpppm

Gauge: not important, tried on as I went.

Techniques: Figure 8 cast on, short row heal , magic loop

I'll be teaching the class again in May over 2 Saturdays on the 14th and the 28th 10-12 class fee is only $35!

Another Budgie!

2011-04-25T14:41:00.010-04:00

Yes, thats right another budgie sweater! I made two for his brother (one here and the other here) so I didn't want him to feel left out, plus I really enjoy this project. Although I must admit that what drew me to this project has also become what makes it take me so long to finish it. The ZIPPER, I actually finished knitting this well before Christmas but could not bring myself to put that dang zipper in. The only thing that finally pushed me into putting the zipper in was the warm weather that is going to hopefully be here very soon. Once I broke down and sewed it in, it really only took about 15 min. or so (smacks head).

The Low Down:

Pattern: Budgie from Grumperina

Yarn: Malabrigo Rios and Mountain Colors Rover Twist 1 Skien of each

Gauge: 5 Stitches = 1 inch

Modifications: This was also knit from the top using my modifications from this post.

I knit it at a larger gauge so I really just followed the instructions for the 18-24 month size. I think it comes out to be a long 4T size.

Yes, I have been busy...SEE!

2011-04-17T14:15:00.003-04:00

Even though the blog has been kinda well, unloved as of late, it's not because I've been sitting around eating bon bon's or anything.

I'm working on all sorts of things but, see, well nothing is quite finished and I have a really bad habit of starting new projects before old ones are done.

Here is a peek at what I'm working on. Can you guess what they are?

I've been working on this since last summer.

This one is all done except for a way to close it.

This one I started a couple of weeks ago and am soo close...

That's So Last Year.

2011-01-21T08:27:00.000-05:00

Well this is embarrassing. I swore that my last post was in December but no..November..eek! Anywaaay...moving on.

2010 was the year of hats for me. I knit a total of 4 hats for people other than myself. The first one you may remember from this post that I made for Astas. I figured I'd start with the littlest of heads. After that I jumped right on up to the biggest head in the family,my husband, who is terrible ignored in the world of my knitting do to the fact that any project for him would take forever. A hat, I figured, would be the fasted thing I could knit for him.

I wanted something easy, but cool looking. I stumbled upon a copy of Stephen West Knits Book 1 and found the perfect hat, Piece Out. It is manly, interesting to knit in a worsted weight gauge and has a pop of color. Love It! I'd been looking the Daybreak shawl from Stephen for sometime and really love his work. i was glad to find something of his to knit.

The only the it's missing is the button, I'm still searching for the perfect one.

Next in line was a hat for Loki, he had just outgrown his hat that I knit for him when he was 6 months old (yes I said 6mo and yes he just at 3 1/2 outgrew it, I made it a wee bit too big). I really just madeLoki's hat up along the same lines as Astas' hat but less pointy and no fluff at the top.

Why yes I used the same yarn for both hats!

Didn't you say 4 hats? Yes, but the forth and final hat of 2010 I have no photos of. It made it in just under the wire (Jan 30th) and was presented as a gift to my boss still wet from blocking. I knit the Brattleboro from New England Knits, which might just be my new favorite book.

From the Top! Budgie #2

2010-11-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

So when I found out that Budgie was not top down I knew that I was going to make two from the start. One mostly as written found here in part 1 and the other "from the top"! I bought yarn for both sweaters at the same time. As soon as I was done knitting the 1st (noticed I did not say "finishing") I moved on to figure out how the heck I would convert it to be a top down totally seamless venture.

NOTE: I totally just "cowboyed" this whole dang thing (which means I made it up as I went. Although when I looked it up on line to see if other people use this term, it has a whole different meaning. Mine is better and I'll stick with it) so don't go thinking I actually know whats going on. Mine turned out really great for me. Sure you can kinda tell where the increases are but I must confess I did not block this sweater. When it was done it went right into use because kids grow up faster than I can knit!

That being said here is how I went about doing the pattern from the top for size 18-24 (both sweaters are the same size)

The down and dirty details:
Size: 18-24 months (it's in this post twice because I forgot it in the last post. Oops!)

Gauge: 21.3 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Needle size: US 6 for main body US 5 icord trim
Yarns: (Color A)Fibranatura Yummy 1 skein in grey dawn (370 yards)

(Color B)Debbie Bliss Rialto DK 2 skeins in grey (230 yards)
(Color C)Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply 1 skein in red(198 yards)

For this version I played with adding buttons instead of using a zipper. I think I prefer the zipper but those fish were just too darn cute.

With Color C cast on 51 Stitches and knit 5 rows ( 3 garter ridges) Break yarn and join Color A

**Working in Straight Stitch and switching between colors A and B every 2 rows

1st increase Row (RS) K3, *M1, K2; repeat until last 4 stitches* M1 K4 (83 sts)
P row in color A. Join color B (do not break color A)

Work 4 rows in pattern **

2nd increase (RS) K2, *M1, K3* (110 sts)

Knit 9 rows in pattern

3rd increase (RS) K2, *M1, K3* (146 sts)

Knit 11 rows in pattern

4th increase (RS) K2, *M1, K4* (182 sts)

Knit 8 rows in pattern

Sleeve row: knit 27 sts, place 36 sts on a piece of scrap yarn or holder, knit 56 sts, place 36 sts on a piece of scrap yarn or holder, knit 27.

Knit until desired length in pattern. I personally prefer to make my sweaters for kids and babies a bit on the long side. This way it covers their back when they reach up and play. I never understood why many store bought sweaters and sweater patterns are short and boxy.

You will end as Budgie begins although backwards from working 2 rows in MC to the bind off. You will do the contrast bind off instead of cast on. *NOTE If this does not make sense I'm sorry but I really wanted to be careful not to put the whole pattern up here. I am working on the assumption that you already have the Budgie pattern and are just looking to modify it for top down.

Sleeves:

Working in Straight Stitch in the round and switching between colors A and B every 2 rows

Place 36 sts from hold onto needles Pick Up 8 sts (44sts) from armpit area ( I'm bad at this part but I fix any holes when I weave in ends)

Knit in pattern until the sleeve measures 3 inches from armpit

Decrease round 1: K2, Ktog, knit to last 4 stitches, K2, Ktog. (42 sts)

Knit in pattern for 11 rounds

Decrease round 2: K2, Ktog, knit to last 4 stitches, K2, Ktog. (40 sts)

Knit in pattern for 11 rounds

Decrease round 3: K2, Ktog, knit to last 4 stitches, K2, Ktog. (38 sts)

(Done with decreasing) knit 11 rounds than finish as the sleeves begins but use contrast bind off instead of cast on. (*see note after end of body)

Finish as for zipper in Budgie or with buttons if you choose!

Wow, that was a lot of typing. I hope if you do try following these directions that all goes well. I did knit a second top down budgie and it was also fine. Good Luck!

A Tale of Two Budgies: Part 1

2010-11-18T08:03:00.007-05:00

A soon as I saw the pattern for Budgie on Grumperina's blog I though it was the pattern I had been searching for. Finally a baby item with a zipper! Yippee!

I quickly downloaded the pattern and read through it so I could gather my yarn and needles to start right away and then ... BAM! In my mind it was a top down seamless sorta thing with the amazing addition of a zipper. No, sorry, it is a bottom up patten and the sleeves are knit flat.Ok, ok I am not going to let this stop me because the sweater is too darn cute.

I decided to follow the pattern with one minor exception: I knit the sleeves in the round using the jogless stripe technique from TECHknitting. I felt confident in my ability to pull this off since I used this very same technique during my pant madness last winter.

The down and dirty details:

Gauge: 21.3 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Needle size: US 6 for main body US 5 icord trim
Yarns: Fibranatura Yummy 1 skein in grey dawn (370 yards)

Liliy Chin Gramercy 2 skeins in light blue (254 yards)
Elsebeth Lavold Cool Wool 1 skein in orange (109 yards)

Stay Tuned For Part 2: Budgie from the Top!

NOVEMBER 2nd? Time for a new hat!

2010-11-02T14:27:00.007-04:00

It can't be! It's not for lack of projects that I have been away once again. I am spending ton's of time knitting and sewing and planning projects. This leaves me with little motivation to hop on the old computer. I also just got an Iphone (my husbands hand me down, but Woot!!! just the same) and, well, it's just so easy to do the basics (email and facebook for me) that my computer has been getting a bit dusty these days.

I whipped up this very basic ear flap hat last month. The weather is only just getting around to being cold enough that it's needed.

"No, no don't eat the leaves Astas!"

The Details of said whipped up hat:

Main Yarn: Baby Alpaca Grande Trim yarn: Malabrigo Worsted
Gauge: 3.5 stitches = 1 inch
Needle: 10

Ear flaps were knit 1st (at the same time) then I cast on stitches in between for the front and back. It was knit in the round using magic loop. The trim is a basic crochet edge, the leaves are free hand embroidery and the top is a simple tassel. All in all less than a day to make from start to finish!

Summertime Rolls

2010-09-11T15:10:00.007-04:00

or how I've missed blogging for nearly an entire season.

Where did the time go?

We Swam.
We went to a fair or two.

Have you heard the song by Jane's Addiction from my blog title "Summertime Rolls"? The slow rolling melody reminds me of how my summer floated by. It was lovely and I am in total denial sitting here in jeans, fleece jacket and slippers. This is also my excuse for not blogging. It was so perfectly warm or HOT and well just so darn summery that I could not force myself to sit down and plunk out a few posts.

Even with all this summertime fun and laziness I was a busy crafty Mama. I have so many projects in so many states from just started, needs a zipper to all done that I have lost track.

My older son loves birds and little things he can hold in his hands, so I made him this:
Knit Details:

Pattern: Egg to Bluebird and a Little Nest Too! from Itty-Bitty Toys by Susan Anderson
Yarn: Just random scraps of cotton yarn I have around
Gauge: 6 stitches = 1 inch
Needles: Size 4 Addi Turbos (magic loop technique)

Modification: Instead of knitting the head separate from the body I picked up stitches from the body for the head (if that makes sense?) I also did this for the beak. I made the wings a tad bit wider and longer to account for curled edges.

Totally Late Drumroll Please!

2010-07-03T14:24:00.001-04:00

Tutorgal YOU ARE A WINNER! WHOO HOO! Sorry for the delay in picking a winner.

What Yarn Is This?

2010-06-11T16:22:00.006-04:00

Contest/Giveaway closed. Winner will be announced Wednesday June 30th!

Birthday Baby Bear (more on him in the next post)

If you can tell me then you can enter to win one (1) of the following:

A Kookababy bunny or2 skeins of outback mohair colorway 807 or

1 yard of fabric from my stash.

A closer view of the yarn can be found here.

Leave your guess in a comment on this post with a way for me to contact you if you are the winner (If there is no way for me to contact you I'll have to redraw). The winner will be chosen randomly from the correct guesses. Some rules: Contiguous US residents only (sorry). Contest/givaway ends 6/22/2010 12pm Eastern Standard Time. I guess per person please.

Check this post out for a hint!

Cloth Diapers Rule!

2010-06-04T22:52:00.005-04:00

Astas Rockin' a Bumgenius All In One while doing some sort of secret hand signal.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned before that we use cloth diapers around here. I love them and you couldn't pay me to switch to a disposable. Besides being functional they are too too cute. Check out my post on The Little Seedling Blog!

Cute bootie shot!

Stay tuned for contest details. Yes I am aware that I am stringing (LOL) you along. Sorry I have just had no time to spare lately.

Had a plan, really. I did!

2010-05-20T19:27:00.007-04:00

It all went out the window.I think it's quite hard to want to blog when it's nice out. Or do much of anything but be outside. You should see my house. If you think my blog is neglected well...At least my kids are soaking up the sunny rays at the park and getting covered in sand and "muddy mook" as Loki would say.

And on the not so sunny days we have been having fun in our table hammock

I have also been working on a cardigan.

Progress shot

I have stalled out on my previous project do to the need to use the sewing machine. For some reason this seems to be the hardest thing in the world for me these days.

Slow progress

2010-05-03T08:09:00.003-04:00

In the interest of an up and coming giveaway (what? Did she say giveaway?) I will be leaving details out for another week. Just wanted to post progress.

Teaser Tuesday

2010-04-20T10:02:00.004-04:00

It is Tuesday right? Seems the days tend to all blend together.

Just a little something I'm working on for

the little something in my life.

Back to our regularly scheduled knitting!

2010-04-14T14:09:00.008-04:00

Why yes! That is yet another Moderne Log Cabin Baby Blanket (ravelry).

I think I have a thing for them!

Some blanket details:

Who's it for? My little sister Daina (well her baby boy to be)

Size: 40 x 30

Needles US 10.5

Yarn Knit Picks Comfy Bulky

How much? 10 Skeins

This was a quick knit in the bulky yarn. I'm not a huge fan of cotton for blankets but my sister requested no wool so..

You may notice if you compare all my blankets (Loki's and Astas') they are all different, not just the yarn and colors but the layout of blocks and the sizes. I have a good/bad habit of winging at least part of all the patterns I knot. I think it's my inner designer trying to push me to finally design my own patterns. Someday... someday.

(sorry about the weird layout, blogger was being all kinds of crazy and I had to crank this out before the wee ones got up from naps.)

Blame It on the Rain.

2010-03-27T13:11:00.010-04:00

Well, actually blame it on the sun shine,breezy weather and...

the need for lots of outside babywearing walks!

(ignore the snow in the background)

As my two amazing little boys grow at warp speed I find that I really need to spend less time in front of the computer and more time outside playing, getting together with friends and knitting as fast as my hands will go so that what I'm making will actually still fit while still being seasonally appropriate.

Loki turned 3 last weekend which is not sad, really it's amazing and hard to believe he was ever a tiny baby. What gets me is that we are hurdling towards Astas' 1st birthday. He is my last baby (sigh) time is moving at a rapid pace and I find it hard to hang on as the days slip right past me.

I also look at all the frilly little girly clothes and feel a pang of longing as I know I will never make or need any of those type things (really big sigh)

4 years later!

2010-03-02T15:46:00.006-05:00

I may have exaggerated in my previous post about how long these were on needles. I'm pretty sure I started these sometime in 2006 perhaps? I really cannot remember. Who cares anyway because thanks to Ravelry and the Ravelympics 2010 I begrudgingly finished them. WHOO!!!
Although after wearing them for the day I think I've come to a realization: I'm just not that into hand knit socks. Don't get me wrong they look wonderful, they just don feel wonderful under my feet. I feel the stitches and it's not my knitting. It's that fact that they are knit that bothers me. I think I like the super fine store bought ones better. Ah well, I'll stick to pants and other things guess.

Pants, an Addiction.

2010-02-10T16:27:00.002-05:00

I have finished another pair of pants, this time in just over a month start to finish.

I'm in love with them.

I went with a drawstring waistband instead of elastic or overall style.

Cute baby action shot!

I have already managed to complete the legs on another pair and am brainstorm a top down version. I love knit pants on babies! They are easy to make, fun to make, look adorable and because they are wool help keep little ones warm or cool.

Knitterly details

Yarn: Swish wosted

(yet again, due to over ordering for Astas' blanket )

As for how much, um??

Pattern: My own made up after cutting my teeth on Cargo

Needles: Size 8 Addi Turbo w/40 cable for magic loop.

Gauge: (ugh, gotta get up and measure) 5 stitches = 1"

Size: 6-12 months

TA DA! Shalom!

2010-01-29T07:22:00.012-05:00

This is another post where you may want to sit before reading because of the possibility of fainting from absolute disbelief. Brace yourself: This post is not about anything baby related. No, seriously it's not. I know very hard to believe.

I actually made something for myself and I did it in about a months time (another shocker!)

It all started with a post from Soule Mama in which there was a sweater that I loved. It linked back to Ravelry which is where the magic began . If you don't know about ravelry and you are a knitter or crocheter then please check it out right after you read this post. After looking at the pattern and decideing that I had to make this sweater I used the yarn suggestions tab to see what had been used and Ravelry told me I already had a yarn in my stash that would work. Ahhh? WOW! It turned out I had the perfect amount required for this project. I cast on that very day and here are the results!

Shalom by Megan McFarlane

(With Modifications that can be found on Ravelry)

Yarn: Manos del Uruguay color Wildflowers (113)

and a tiny bit of yarn I spun (the dk purple cuffs)

Needles: 10 1/2 Addi turbos

Different shirt and flash

I have to mention the buttons because, well, it's kinda like someone saw my sweater and then made these buttons for it. The teaser from a few posts ago is a close up of a the button. I searched for about a half hour , was just about to settle, when I bent down to pick something that had fallen to the ground and there they were. Perfect wouldn't you say?

Crafty Mama Sidetrack

2010-01-25T12:50:00.001-05:00

(Small departure from knitting and sewing)

As you may or may not know I am totally obsessed with babywearing (not to mention cloth diapers) I sold my beloved Pfau and have moved on to a colorgrown waves. It comes in a really blah kinda brown, but has great "cush" factor.

Astas in a double hammock pre dye.

Totally gratuitous cute baby shot.

I naturally had to have it but couldn't live with the brown so I ventured into the world of fabric dyeing. Not that I hadn't been there before, but it's been a while (collage 1994 or 1995)

I used Procion MX dye in Lavender and mostly followed directions from Dharma Trading for vat/machine dyeing .

Astas in a messy Wrap Cross Carry post dye.

Here's how I went about dyeing my wrap:

First I dissolved about 1/2 a box of kosher salt in a bucket then added it to the full washing machine. Then I made some chemical water to make my dye slurry (pulling from my fashion school dye experience) I have no idea if it helped or not. It certainly didn't hurt. I added the dye to the salt water in the washing machine and let it mix in before I plunked the wrap in. I left the lid open (so the water wouldn't drain out if I left it to long) and spread an old towel over the opening so no dye water would jump out and get the whole place purple.

I must be honest and tell you I did not time it at all. I just checked the wrap here and there (with rubber gloved hands) I freaked out a tiny bit because it seemed way dark. So I took the wrap out and put it into our utility sink while I added the soda ash (which I had already dissolved in warm water) I let that swish around a bit then put the wrap back in for 'um' about 10 min I think. I was way less worried after adding the soda ash. The color seemed to mellow a bit after adding it. I let the color drain out,rinsed,washed and...

Viola, lavender waves!

I did all the dyeing in my washing machine (ack!) I 'm a bit scared to wash anything for fear it might also turn purple (I'm sure it won't but..)

Sorry for the sidetrack but I just had to post about this because I'm so excited it turned out well. The project that was supposed to be here is in fact finished this is not just another stall tactic, I swear.

Such a Tease

2010-01-21T13:35:00.005-05:00

I have a project in the works that I am wanting to post about but of course am hung up on the finishing. Next Week it will be up.

Peek

Until then here are some things I'm also working on.

More leftover yarn?

Ohh oilcloth!

Moving on...

2010-01-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

One of the main reasons I finally got that quilt done is because I was itchin' to buy new fabric for a new quilt and it's here!

The 4 prints on the left are from Wendy Slotbloom's Frolic line

The two greens are Lyndhurst Natures Palette. The little leaves are from Moda Love U

Somewhere in between quilting, Christmas and cold weather I managed to get some mittens done for Loki.

Vitals

Yarn: Brown Sheep Lanaloft in Marmalade

Amount: Leftovers from Loki's slippers

Needles: Size 7 Addi Turbos

My Gauge: 5 sts = 1 inch

Pattern: p2designs basic cuff up mitt

I'm also working something in my size that is "this" close to being done so check back soon!

Oh No She Didn't!

2009-12-28T08:13:00.009-05:00

Why yes indeed, its true! You may want to make sure you're sitting down for this one just in case you faint from shear disbelief.

It's been over a year in the making, you've seen some progress here and there.

And now for the 1st time anywhere, Loki's On A Whim Quilt!!!!

Pattern: Easy Lap Quilt from Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol

Fabric: On a Whim (Robert Kaufman), a wee bit of Amy Butler Lotus full moon polka dot, Ohio Sky happy dots, and AB45 blue solid (also some brown and green swirly fabric that I have no idea what it is).

Modifications: I changed the overall size to be just big enough to cover the top of a twin bed with no overhang.

It ended up being 45 x 63 1/2.

I even managed to do mitered corners.

For the binding I cut the quilt backing to be 2 inches wider than the overall quilt and then folded it over about a 1/2 inch then folded it again and sewed it down. I think for my next quilt (for Astas) I will make binding, ugh. I think it will just make a nicer looking reverse side.

Why now? What kicked me into high gear and got my lazy bones motivated? Well, two things: My lovely friend Rae and the fact that she linked to me and my unfinished quilt (hangs head). Thank you, thank you Rae (see hers here) And I finally found fabric to make Astas a quilt. I could in no way persuade myself to buy fabric for another quilt when I hadn't finished the first one. I guess it's a good thing I had another baby or Loki may never have seen a finished product.

It's a Futte Futte Christmas!

2009-12-21T17:09:00.008-05:00

Since the tree toppling incident I decided I needed more unbreakable ornaments.

Enter the Futte Futte!

It was a total spur of the moment "Hey, Loki lets make some felt balls" kind of event. I think I spent more time trying to locate everything I needed then actually making the felt balls, well almost.

It was a bit wet and messy using the Futte Futte indoors but I think I learned a few thing on how to use it better, so it was actually faster than I thought it was going to be.

The other thing that prompted me to wanna make ornaments is that Loki has his own tree that he can decorate (or un-decorate) as he sees fit with no help from Mama.

Felt "bulb"

Fluffy snowman!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tis the Season: Stocking Disaster?

2009-12-14T13:37:00.012-05:00

I'm being partly probably overly dramatic but you may know how it is when a project just dosen't turn out the way one has planned. Such is my plight. I'm going to carry on with this post as intended and then get to the "disaster" part.

It all started with the stocking my mom made me.

"Awwww"

I made my husband (at the time my boyfriend) a stocking out of some prefab wool felt (it's the one on the left with the white top). I made Loki's stocking out of a wool sweater I felted ( I was just getting into the whole recycled wool felt thing)

I did a bit of embrodery (badly, so no photo)

I even added a tiny snowman to my husband's

(cute so there is a photo)

Stockings hung with care!

But wait, we need one more. I ran out to the thrift store to get a red wool sweater to felt. This is where the "disaster" begins. They didn't have any. They only acrylic blends, which will not felt. Ugh, I settled on a nice one with a cable. I traced my pattern and sewed it up.

Looking good?

Then I went to hang it and it faces the opposite way. DISASTER! I know it's really not and in fact have found a solution. I was going to just use the plain non-cabled side, but then discovered that Loki's could face any direction (his just has a few Christmas pins in it that are easy to move).

All is well

Well? Kinda, I just don't have the energy to make another so I will just have to get used to it. I think it's going to drive me crazy but I really think it's more important that the stocking is nice looking rather than face a certain direction.

Tis the Season: Part 1

2009-12-08T15:25:00.008-05:00

Ohhh its holiday time again and as usual I have more ideas than time, energy or motivation. At least the tree is up. Which is actually saying a lot after a near tree disaster last Wednesday when the whole thing toppled over and crash landed on the ground. Needless to say I was reduced to a crying mess at the sight of my , just finished being decorated, tree on the ground with a pool of water around it. Luckily nothing major was broken.

I had no forethought to snap a photo of the fallen tree, just a small part of the carnage.

Moving on...

I wanted to post about my handmade holiday items.

Frist up is my string of felt "popcorn and cranberries"

I made about a 3 foot string by hand pre-futte futte. This is actually what prompted my search for such a tool. After spending days, yes DAYS, making these tiny white and burgundy balls my hands were raw and sore. Worth it not to have to string the real thing every year (which I used to do).

I need to make more because I don't have enough to cover the whole tree. As it is I kinda snake it back and forth across the front of the tree to cover more "prime" viewing space.

Next Up: Stocking!

Two Steps Forward! Slippers!

2009-11-28T09:21:00.005-05:00

YES! Loki's Slippers are done.

They have actually been knit for several weeks, it just took me forever to get the motivation to felt them. Of course now that they are done Loki wants nothing to do with them.

I had to bribe him to put them on so I could take a picture:

Mmmmm yummy peppermint JoJo

These were made using a double strand of Lanaloft in the color marmalade . I still have plenty left and have already started in on a pair of mittens. Yes, I am still starting new things without finishing old things.

As Promised, Item #1

2009-11-14T15:25:00.008-05:00

Ahhhhhh, finally, I've finished something:

Astas' Pants

Or Jumper/Overalls

These started out as Cargo from Knitty, but then morphed into my own pattern (I'll provide details in an upcoming post) These can be worn with or without the re-moveable straps. There are buttons on the front and back and the straps have the buttonholes.

These skull buttons on the front of the "pants" were originally going to go on a sweater I made for Loki last year. I think they found a better home here.

I'm Still Here

2009-11-13T15:27:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the lag time between posts and this "teaser" post

It's just been one of those day/weeks/months.

On top of being a mom I work for a lovely lady named Molly Ging who owns The Little Seedling. I am able to bring both my little ones to work with me and for that I am super thankful and wanted to say thanks out loud in front of the world (well you know, those who see my tiny blog) and to make excuses for not posting.

Anyway, I actually have been doing some knitting. I just have a few teeny tiny finishing touches left

Here's one I just finished before this post.

I hope to have at least 2 ( pants and hat)of the millions of projects I'm working on totally done this weekend, including a post about them.

Getting Nothing Done

2009-10-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

I have made almost no progress on any of my previously mentioned projects, but do not despair, I've started a new one! Yes, that's right, even though I have several things on needles (not to mention a quilt to finish) I have begun and am actually close to done with a whole new project.

I think I have some sort of aversion to finishing things because they are adding up faster and in bigger piles all over the house.

What is this new project? I am now knitting a pair of slippers for Loki using the Fiber Trends children's felt clog pattern .

They are orange (Loki's Favorite color) of course! I tried really hard to get him to pick some Cascade 220 that was on sale at Knit A Round (no orange left) but while looking he just kept pulling out random colors until he peeked around the corner and saw some Lanaloft (not on sale) and said "Oh look! Here's orange Mama!"

I really want to finish these before next spring so I've gotten really good at knitting while holding a sleeping baby. Astas has taken to having 20 min or so of arms free napping. This is not good for getting anything done.

I'm also working on the last detail for the pant's I'm making Astas (it will make sense when they are done. Tease, tease , tease)

A Baby Sweater I Did Not Knit

2009-10-17T09:15:00.008-04:00

I must confess that I have made absolutely no progress at all what so ever on Loki's quilt. Ugh. It's sitting in the corner waiting, waiting...

On the other hand the pants/jumper for Astas are almost done. Seam sewing and straps are all that are needed. I'm almost finished with some very cool changes to the super simple stripy baby hat. (These are teasers I know, but "I need more time!")

In the meantime please enjoy my stall tactics and this lovely sweater that our friend Joann knit for Astas. It was like she read my mind. I had just been thinking I wanted to make a cardigan for the babe but had all these other things I had to do.

Presto! I come home from work and there is this lovely baby cardigan waiting for us!

(not the best photo, but it will have to do. Sorry)

No one has ever knit for me like this before, I love it! The yarn is a great fall/boy color without screaming "boy". It's soft, squishy and monogramed. Yeah!!

I'm now wanting to make one too. We will see if I have time.

(Sorry for the lack of baby in cardigan pictures, he just wouldn't cooperate and I was impatient to get this post up and running)

Moderne Days Gone By.

2009-10-09T14:19:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to show off some things I've done, but must admit they were finished long ago.

I made my first Mason Dixon Moderne Log Cabin baby blanket way back in 2007 for Loki before he was born.

I used 2 strands of Koigu KPPPM held together for the body of the blanket and a single strand of Louet Gems lt. worsted weight.

With the leftover yarn I made matching booties

Oh, little Loki when he was a week old! Doing this post was so fun. I got to look back at picture of my Loki when he was a tiny babe. Ohhh, time passes so quickly.

Let me tell you I wanted to use every scrap of yarn I had. It took 10 skeins of Koigu and 2 of the Gems to make this blanket happen. It was not cheap, it was worth it, but not cheap. I did use the rest to make the booties and was only left with about a yard of each color.

Frankenslipper

2009-10-02T09:45:00.002-04:00

I had a totally different name for this post when I began, but then I saw what I was ending up with, well you'll see...

This is a story about a totally harmless little slipper.

It all started when I made myself a pair of slippers from the

Fiber Trends Felt Clog Pattern about 2 years ago. I wore them all the time and when they started showing some threadbare spots at the begining of last winter, I ignored it.

I went to put them the other day and remembered

"Oh yeah, these have holes"

I decided instead of making a new pair (remember the lazy factor)

I'd just repair the slippers. So far so good.

To make the repair I used a felted thrift store sweater. Still doing ok.

I cut out new soles to put over the old ones and I thought I was going to be brilliant and needle felt some extra patches on but it didn't work at all. Boo. This is where it all started going badly.

I resorted to hand whip stitching them on and then doing the same to attach the new soles to the slippers. I searched and searched for the blue yarn that I had made them out of to no avail. I did find the green yarn that I had made my husbands slippers out of. (His are fine by the way) and thats when..

... from the old slippers

Frankenslipper was born

Look away, look away. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Scary huh?

Fall is in the Air.

2009-09-26T13:26:00.012-04:00

I realized I never posted a finished picture of the sweater I made for Loki. Pulling it out of storage in preparation for the crisp weather that is in the air made me want to share. It's such a wonderfully light weight but warm sweater. Taking it out makes me want to knit another, but I gotta get those pants done 1st.

Close up of the buttons. There is a close up of the stripes here.

The pictures are from last year when it was finished.

I just never put them up.

Two at Once

2009-09-22T19:15:00.006-04:00

I was going to post this as kinda off topic but then it occurred to me that really it's not at all. Why not? I was figuring this blog is as much about me as it is my crafts. So many blogs are about the person behind the art not just the art. (There is a whole other blog post brewing in here regarding art and craft.)

This evening I took my 1st foray into double babywearing. Two babes at once (well one toddler and a babe).

Astas is in a Pfau Didy wrap and Loki is in a Babyhawk.

Not the best picture as this was taken right after we got home and it turned out about 30min was all we could handle. Loki was ready to jump out, but I made him pose for a quick pic for proof that it happened at all.

I was surprised at how "easy" it was to throw two kids in carriers and trot off into the woods. I bet if I keep it up I'll be back to my fighin' weight in no time.

I Sew Too.

2009-09-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

You may know that I've been working on a quilt for my dear Loki for well over a year now. I have come to an "I'm almost done point". This is usually where I stall out. "I don't wanna" my mind whines. I will push on. I have all three layers quilted. I just have to bind the thing up and voilà! I will be done and my kid will be warm when he sleeps.

See, proof, sewing does happen!

I realized after several posts about said quilt I never mention where the pattern comes from. So here goes: It's from Bend The Rules Sewing by Amy Karol ( AKA Angry Chicken) , the Easy Lap Quilt. My quilt is a tad longer too make it fit on a twin bed without hanging off at all. I'll give all the nitty gritty measurements and what not when the thing is all finished.

CHECK OUT THE FINISHED QUILT HERE!!

The Proof Is In The Knitting.

2009-09-13T13:00:00.013-04:00

Hey, look I'm knitting! Wonder of wonders! Wonder what I'm knitting?

Can you tell yet?

I'm sure you may recognize the yarn. Why yes, it's Swish Worsted, again ( I bought way, way to much for the moderne log cabin baby blanket). The colors are Lawn and Marine Heather.

What about now!

I'm making a pair of wee pants for Astas. I'm using the Cargo pattern from Knitty Summer 05 issue. I'm knitting 2 legs at a time on one needle using magic loop. I'm super lazy and any way to get stuff done that even seems faster and easier, I'll take it! Someday soon I'm going to do a blog tutorial on the old 2 at a time magic loop I just got to get all the info together in an easy to understand way. Anyway......

My plan for these pants is to,

A: not put pockets on ( refer to aforementioned laziness)

B: make them into a jumper of sorts (you'll see when I'm finished what I'm talking about)

I'm using the jogless stripes technique from TECHknitting™

A sort of terribly lit close up of the color change

It's working great although I think I could be pulling a bit tighter to have less of a seam due the magic loop and it kinda bulges because of the floats of yarn from the stripe changes.

One thing about working two pant legs (sleeve's, socks, ect..) at a time and in stripes is that you have kind of a yarn nightmare you really have to stay on top of or you will spend precious knitting time untangling the mess.

Note the mess on the right!

(It's really not that bad, as I am keeping it under control)

I hope to finish them before Astas is too big to wear um!

Oh, Summer, how I never even knew you.

2009-09-08T13:21:00.013-04:00

I've been away again. (I know hard to tell.) This time on vacation up north here in Michigan. It started out all rainy and cold and blah. The weather perked up and by mid week it was warm enough to dip a toe into Lake Michigan.

We had a lot of firsts on our trip:

Loki's (and Astas') 1st boat ride!

Loki's 1st time "fishing".

Loki's 1st Kayak ride!

Loki's 1st ever taste of superman ice cream that for some reason I forgot to get a picture of. Let me tell you that flavor is gross, trust me on this, as I was the one who licked the edges to keep them from dripping. I should have just let it drip but the thought of the crazy bright colors staining his clothes was too much to bare.

And a dry bed overnight for Loki. That was a first and so far has been an only.

We mostly just hung out and took it easy. I was super lucky to have 2 kids who napped and went to bed AT THE SAME TIME.

Really it was amazing. I read several magazines and

I even had time to knit! Woo Hoo! (more on this in the next post)

So I'm back and a bit saddened by the fact that I feel summer has past me by. I didn't get to the pool enough or spend enough time outside. I feel like my new little one is growing fast and that time is slipping away from me. Hopefully with falls arrival will come a sense of motivation and productivity.

The Little Seedling Food Drive

2009-08-20T19:53:00.004-04:00

The Little Seedling in Ann Arbor is having a food drive for

Food Gatherers

Bring in non-perishable canned and dry goods that are unopened, in good condition and not expired.(Any item is appreciated, but we have many requests for high-protein items, cereal, kid-friendly foods, baby formula, soups, stews, canned meat/fish.) to The Little Seedling, 355 South Zeeb Road Ann Arbor , MI Call for more info:734-418-2392.

For your donation you will receive your choice of:

1. 1% off total order per "can" up to 10% off. This is off the entire purchase. In stock items only.

2. 10 or more cans and get 20% off any ONE in stock item.

DOES NOT APPLY TO SPECIAL ORDERS

ONE per customer

The food drive will be going starting this Friday August 21 until next Friday August 28th 2009.

Potty Learning Fun! Or Not. (More Wool Longies!)

2009-08-18T16:44:00.005-04:00

So I was super productive today because I decided to be try to be diaper free (or down to 1 in diapers) with Loki.

Here is my 2nd pair of wool longies :

And my 3rd: The 1st were done sometime in the winter. Check them out here and here!

The 2nd pair has no elastic at the waist. I figured that the fabric was pretty stretchy and tight-ish so we will see how it goes/ fits once the toddler wakes from his nap.

The 3rd pair have elastic at the waist and I think they are going to be too big. I may end up redoing them. We will see.

I will be using these over "training" pants at night and cross my fingers they work. I should mention that I am also planning on Lanolizing them too.

Gotta run baby is awake!

Baby Got Hat. FREE pattern

2009-08-14T13:01:00.012-04:00

Super Simple Stripy Baby Hat

Yarn KnitPicks Swish Worsted

Content: 100% Superwash Merino Wool
Weight: Worsted Weight
Gauge: 4.5 - 5 sts = 1" on #6 - 9 needles (4.0mm-5.5mm)
Amount: 110 yards/50 gram ball
Care: Machine Washable/Tumble Dry Low

My Gauge: 5 st = 1 inch

Needle: Size 7 40" Circle needle for Magic Loop (although I think they recommend longer but this works fine for a baby hat) Here is a suggestion that I should of done: Cast on and Knit the 1st 3 round with a size 6.

Size: 16 inches around. I have a tiny babe so I made this to fit him in the fall I'm saying it's a 3-6 month size but you should measure your kids head and go with that for size. I will try to post other sizes when I can.

Note: the Stripy part is totally free hand, which means I made it up as I went. I looked at it and then said "oh that's enough of that color" then switched. I used 5 different colors and do start a repeat because there was room.

Pattern:

Cast on 80 Stitches. Divide in half for magic loop, pull cord through.

K1P1 rib for 3 rounds. (Here is a suggestion that I should of done: Cast on and Knit the 1st 3 round with a size 6.)

Change to knit only and knit until the hat measures 5 inches

Begin Decrease on next round

Decrease rd : *K6 K2Tog* K2 37 st remain

K round

Decrease rd : *K5 K2Tog* K2 20 st remain

K round

Decrease rd : *K4 K2Tog* K2 17 st remain

K round

Decrease rd : *K3 K2Tog* K2 14 st remain

K round

Decrease rd : *K2 K2Tog* K2 11 st remain

Decrease rd : *K 1 K2Tog* K2 8 st remain

Decrease rd 2: *K2Tog* 4 st remain

For the top you can do an i cord, but since your in magic look you can just knit till the desired length and then bind off. ( Mine is an inch long)

* disclaimer* I typed this one handed while holding the baby and quick while my toddler napped so if there is a flaw in the pattern please let me know! Also this is the 1st pattern I've ever written down for someone else, please be kind and gentle.

Super Simple Stripy Baby Hat

2009-08-11T14:23:00.004-04:00

This is just a super quick post, more info in a few days (i.e pattern and yarn specifics)

It's done! Woo Hoo!

Birds eye view.

Things I'm Excited About!

2009-08-09T13:10:00.005-04:00

A bit of a departure but thought that I would start doing some posts about sites I like and stuff I am lusting after or already own and love.

Here goes:

1st up is the shop at boyg irlparty.co m.

I pretty much love everything about them, like these super cute cat magnets!

These all fall into the "stuff I'm lusting after category"

There is also awesome jewelry, T-shirts, note cards and much more.

Stop over and check it out!

So I discovered from the above site another really groovy place:

Chocolate and Steel

Wonderful Pendants!

Baby Hat: An Update

2009-08-08T09:12:00.003-04:00

I have this tendency to make my hats too short.So I must frog and add more length or start all overish from the ribbing. Since I tried it on before actually finishing (explains why the picture looks like it may be some kinda torture device) it will be much quicker.

Sakura Bloom Love Affair!

2009-08-07T15:09:00.003-04:00

If you didn't know already I love babywearing and am super happy to be able wear the newest addition and can't wait to try wearing both at once! Right now I'm re-falling in love with my Sakura Bloom silk essentials ring sling (Nursing the "little" in it as I type) It's a double layer of silk and is so comfy, supportive, versatile and beautiful!

Here it is: Me wearing the little one last week.

Here it is: Me wearing the big one during Halloween and just before Christmas!

I dream of owning an artisan stripe! Really I do need 2, really.

This sling is great for a toddler, but oh man is it perfect for a newborn. Super snug and secure.

Nearly all the ladies at work have one now! How could they not?

If you missed it check us out at the Sakura Bloom blog.

Summer Soup, Yum!

2009-08-06T07:52:00.001-04:00

Loki is enjoying Lithuanian saltibarsciai , a cold beet soup that we always called bubblegum soup or pink soup. I was surprised he even tried it let alone liked it!

Best Laid Plans or Falling Down on the Job.

2009-08-04T15:12:00.007-04:00

So I see now that maybe I was being a bit ambitious trying to post every other day, which I have already failed to do. Sorry. I guess it takes longer than I thought to type one handed and not to mention actually get something done to post. Ack!

Here we have something I did not create but wanted to share. Super tiny, super cute baby shoe/booties. You ask: Why are they not on a baby? Well they are tiny. They fit my 6 pounder for about a week (who now now seems huge to me in relation to said booties).

I feel sad because they are too darn cute. Also, it's hard to find good boy stuff out there in the world of baby and toddler so when I do I like to find more or tell others. This one is a mystery. They were a gift. I'd love to find a pattern for them so I can make bigger ones!

I'll leave you with a picture of the baby that they do not fit.

Astas is wearing my new favorite diaper cover: A Thirsties Duo in size 1 ocean colored cover over a prefold! We get all our diapering gear from the super awesome store The Little Seedling located here in A2 MI!

Choices, choices!

2009-08-01T20:14:00.002-04:00

I am gearing up to finally finish the "On a Whim" quilt I started way, way back when. Now I'm stuck on what fabric to use for the back.

On the right I have a cute plaid that is actually a flat sheet from the sheet set for Loki's bed. On the left is some solid turquoise 100% cotton quilt fabric. The main con's for using the plaid are the fact that it's not 100% cotton and that if ever I wanted the matching sheet for Loki I'd be out of luck.

What to do? What to do? Probably I'll stall a bit more.

Now I'm back, somebody new.

2009-07-31T13:17:00.005-04:00

Ok, Ok It's been another long while since I've been here. I'm going to try and make up for it by posting every other day in August!!! So check in often (even if it's to see if I can do it).

WIP: which I have so, so very many of that I need to stop casting on anything new, but it's hard to resist making stuff for the kids. 1st up, hat for the new babe. I'm going to post the pattern once I'm done making it.

(Sorry for the washed out photo)

You may recognize the yarn and colors from the Modern Log Baby Blanket. I always use Magic Loop for knitting in the round, it makes it tricky to take photos, that and trying to take a picture one handed while holding a baby.

More soon, really!

Been away, but now I'm back! (it's been for a very good reason)

2009-07-10T11:05:00.005-04:00

Baby has arrived! I got that moderne log cabin blanket done just in the nick of time! Woo! He (we had another boy) arrived on June 25th. Everyone is healthy and doing fine.

Next up now that baby has arrived: Finish that darn quilt. Stay tuned!

On a Whim Quilt for Loki (WIP)

2009-06-24T15:45:00.005-04:00

(Sorry for poor quality photos in advance)

I really wanted to make Loki a special blanket too and this has been in the works for I think a good year. Me + Sewing= Lazy.

The top is sewn together, YES! I'm aiming to get it done ASAP as I'm running out of time, but I figure I can also work on it once the little babe is here too. No biggie if I don't finish it. Right?

All I have to do it go buy some batting, fabric for the back and binding. I am not making my own binding. What? Your not making your own you say? No way, I am in nooo mood, in fact I'm dreading that part all together. It's store bought all the way.

On another note, If I'm gone a super long time with no updates I apologize in advance also, but I'll have something a bit more pressing than updating the old blog. We'll see!

C'est Fini! Moderne log cabin baby blanket!

2009-06-18T11:08:00.004-04:00

Finally done! Yeah!! Not blocked as you may be able to tell. I also took some liberties with the actually pattern and did it my own way. Not sure about the way I did the border but kinda felt like I had no choice unless I wanted to buy another color to use on the border. So I am officially ready for baby.

Some blanket details:

Needles US 7 / 4.5 mm

Yarn

Knit Picks Swish Worsted

How much

= 600 grams / 1320 yards

Purchased at

Knit picks

Hello: a picture less update.

2009-06-10T21:25:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note that I've slipped back into my lazy non-blogging ways as the baby clock ticks down. I've been running around getting it together so I feel ready for lil #2. The thing I am in desperate need of is to finish that dang blanket. I'm "this" close. I'll post pics as soon as it's done, barring any early arrivals.

And the Winner is....

2009-06-03T12:57:00.003-04:00

by super scientific methods (drawn out of a hat) it is:

Kitten With a Whiplash

Woo.. Congratulations!

This givaway went better than the last (at least I actually managed to give something away) not as great as I'd hoped. Maybe my upcoming free pattern will bring in more traffic. I guess we will see.

Zidee for sale

2009-05-27T16:03:00.003-04:00

If your a babywearer I'm selling my zidee (sniff, sniff)

I know this is totally off topic but I'm starting to feel the squeeze on the impending arrival of the wee one. I'm needing to make room because I have waay to much stuff and I "need" different stuff for the little babe.

Let's try this again: Contest / Yarn Giveaway

2009-05-20T14:12:00.001-04:00

Ok here we go again.

At Stake: 2 balls Gedifra India

Rules: You must comment on a recent post to be entered and you must include, in your relevant comment, what you think you want to do with this yarn:Gedifra India, a fun novelty yarn that works best held together with another yarn. I made a winter hat with a similar yarn and held it together with some very plain white merino wool (sorry no pic's, I already gave it away.) Contest is open to anyone in the contiguous United States. This means that if you live outside the contiguous United States and want to comment, great, but you will not be eligible for the contest. Sorry.

One winner will be drawn at random from qualifying posts on Wednesday June 3rd. All posts must be in by midnight EST on May 31st. One entry per person, however if you refer someone and they mention you, both parties will get another entry.

**Don't forget to leave contact info for me in case you win. ( i.e blog link, email...)**

I think that's it. Good Luck!

UPDATE- SO it seems a few people are having trouble leaving comments and I have no idea why so if you email me at kookababy at gmail.com and let me know A: that you had trouble and what kind and B: what you were going to post.

Check out The Little Seedling @ Sakura Bloom, Oh and me too!

2009-05-08T14:09:00.003-04:00

Loki and I along with other moms from the store were interviewed about bring our kids to work and working at The Little Seedling. All the mom's interviewed use and wear Sakura Bloom ring slings!

Read all about it!

Contest was a big fat failure.

2009-05-01T12:54:00.002-04:00

So no one won because no one posted a comment (within the time frame). I know my readership is low but egads! Well, check back soon for contest number 2. This time the prize will be yarn!

Futte Futte Ball Shaker: Let's get it on!

2009-04-30T14:28:00.000-04:00

OK, so now that you've gathered your goods let's make a felt ball or 2. After you have you wool snake (see yesterday's post) you have to rip up the fluff into smaller pieces and fluff it up more so it will go into the futte futte cup better and it will also felt better.

*Fluffed wool in 1 half of the futte futte*

Put the other half of the futte futte on then dunk the whole thing in your SUPER SCALDING HOT tub of soapy water. This is where reading the japanese directions may come in handy. My interpretation is that you have to stir the water with the futte futte. (it's not for the waters sake but for the felting process.) For the 1st ball I "stirred" the water for about 2min.
Then remove from the water, this is where it's nice to be outside if you can. Shake that thing, and shake it! In my dream world (why I ordered the futte futte in the first place) you would be done. Sadly, you are from from it. Re-dip in HOT water, stir, shake, dip, stir, shake, dip, stir, shake, so on and so on.
*My 1st ball midway through the process*
It took me about 15 min. to achieve a ball I was happy with (green ball in the last picture). I changed my approach slightly with the 2nd ball.

*Red/yellow roving snake for 2nd ball*
I used a bit more roving (which makes a bigger ball) and did the whole dip, stir, shake in a fast progression. It didn't cut down on the time or how much stirring and shaking had to be done.

*2 finished felt balls (2nd attempt on the left)*
All in all the Futte Futte Felt Ball Shaker makes nice balls and totally saves your hands from the hot water, but I don't think it's any faster or better then doing it by hand (aside from not burning your hands off, which I admit is a huge plus). I guess I thought it would take less time. My main motivation in getting the futte futte was to make some christmas garland ("popcorn" and "cranberries") because my 1st string took me a million hours and I didn't even make it that long. I didn't do it though because I lost my motivation when I realized that my time would not be saved.

It's totally possible I'm doing something wrong as I do not read Japanese. I tried translating the page in google but it didn't really help. If you have any tips or tricks please share. I'd love to hear them! I'll keep working on it too.

HAPPY SHAKING!

Futte Futte felt ball shaker: Gather your tools

2009-04-29T13:01:00.021-04:00

It was super hot and sunny here on Monday and I decided it would be a good day to haul out the old Futte Futte. 1st steps 1st, let's round up all the things you need to make a felt ball.

*The Futte Futte Felt Ball Shaker in all it's glory! *

(comes with a tiny spoon to measure the soap)

*Lovely Colorful wool roving for felt ball making*

*Soap and a some kinda tub*

I used Dawn this time to see if it helped

with felting.(no difference.)

A medium sized tub is helpful so you have a good amount of room to swish about in.

Also the water should be HOT, HOT, HOT!

This is a picture of the amount of roving I tore off of the ball. It's about 12 in but really I think it's an eyeball kinda thing.

(It looks like a weird green flat snake.Hum maybe my next project?)

That's all you need to get started. I recommend doing this outside because it's easier to get you shake on and not make a mess. Stay tuned for the step by step in the futte futte process.

UFO Sighting #1 Magic Loop Socks

2009-04-22T12:31:00.011-04:00

I have many unfinished projects sitting on needles and holders. I thought it might be interesting to take pictures and post some of them. Maybe it will actually get me to finish something. The 1st item/s up for review are a pair of socks I started in 2003 maybe?

*With Flash* *Without*

Neither one really does the yarn justice. What yarn is it you say?

Koigu Kersti!

What colorway is it? Your guess is as good as mine??? It's a lovely apple green/yellow speckled with dk blue.

*Poor Close Up*

Yes, it's the purl side out! Why? Well when I first started knitting socks it just happened and it took me a few socks to figure out that I could actually stop it from happening. Hum? Fancy that? Also I'm Knitting on size 3 needles instead of the recommended size 6, to produce a dense and warm sock.

You may have noticed in the picture that I'm not using double pointed needles. I have actually never used them. My preferred method for knitting socks is 2 at a time, toe up, magic loop. I use a figure 8 cast on and do M1 increases for the toe. There is no pattern for the socks I just try them on as I go when it seems right I do a short row heel. My one big problem is that I tend to make my heels too pointy (perhaps I get carried away with the short rows?)

These are sooo close to being done all the hard stuff is out of the way. I just need to go up a bit more (I like short socks). Besides I really could use my size 3 needles back.

Wanna Win?It's A Giveaway in Honer of EarthDay!

2009-04-21T19:07:00.008-04:00

In honer of Earth Day I'm having a contest! Woo Hoo! This is your chance to win a one of a kind Kookababy sweater bunny. This isn't your average bunny. This one is made of a recycled wool sweater and t-shirt then stuffed with eco-friendly bamboo fill! So it simple to enter, all you have to do is post a comment to my blog by 12pm EST on April 29th (Post from 4/22-4/29 are eligible). The comment must be relevant to the post and be on a post made in 2009. I will draw a winner at random on Thursday April 30th and then announce the winner on Friday.

He could be yours!
Don't forget to include contact info (email or blog link) so I can notify you and collect your address.

Slacker

2009-04-20T22:12:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post to admit that I have not been able to keep my every other day post goal. It's true I'm a huge slacker. Stay tuned because it will be worth it (think contest, giveaway).

Oh Sunny Day!!

2009-04-17T14:32:00.005-04:00

In addition to my love of all things fiber artsy. I am a super cloth diaper loving mama! Today has been a lovely, sunny warm day. I got up early so I could get those diapers out on the line. It really is one of my favorite sights besides little baby cloths hanging in the sun.I use a mix mostly Bumgenius , but I also have some Thirsties AIO (the neon orange one) and am trying out the new Gro Baby OS (the plumy purple one)

Another thing I'm crazy about it babywearing. Here I am wearing my 2 year old on my back in a Zidee Podaegi I got on the babywearer. I think my days of wearing my toddler are fast coming to a close, so I'm trying to squeeze them all in while I can.

Manos Love or Lack Thereof.

2009-04-15T11:04:00.009-04:00

I have had 4 skeins of Manos del Uruguay in Wildflowers (113) for about 5 years now.

Of course I have never used it, why have yarn and actually use it? My orginal plan was to make the Serendipity Cardigan from Hollywood Knits out of it but after my 1st attempt (in another colorway) I changed my mind.

*Serendipity Cardigan, made waaaay back in 2005 *

So my next thought was to try the Hot Lava Cardigan by Blue Alvarez ,but then I got my hands on some super soft Malabrigo Chunky in Apple green and did it in that instead.

*HOT LAVA 2006*

I finally pulled the Manos out of the box and put it in basket in my bedroom hoping the inspiration would strike. So far all I can come up with is to do another "hot lava" because I wear my other one all the time and love it! I guess we will see. I have to finish the blanket 1st.

Sweet Success!

2009-04-13T14:13:00.009-04:00

Pants in Action!!! This morning I managed to get the pants I made on him. These are made out of two sleeves from a felted thrift store sweater. I used a basic pant pattern to know where to cut the crotch and rise. I think I will make some tweaks to it and then try again. Maybe I'll even generate my own pattern. We'll see. It might be a bit ambitious.

So soft and Cozy! So much so that he didn't even want to take them off.

The Great Toddler Stand Off

2009-04-12T15:02:00.002-04:00

I know it sounds like an excuse but really Loki is very against trying on the pants I made. Maybe I'm just catching him at bad times.

Who knew a toddler could be so picky about his clothing.

Nothing crafty, pouty rocker won't try on pants.

2009-04-09T13:51:00.006-04:00

So my little rock star of a toddler did not feel like trying on the pants I made yesterday, so I'll attempt the fashion photo shoot later today and then there really will be some tangible evidence of my sewing efforts.

Wool Longies from old Sweater Sleeves. Way to save money!

2009-04-07T13:48:00.006-04:00

Look 2 posts in one week! Wow! My goal is going to be posting every other day for the month of April, so check back often you never now what your going to find

I have a pile of sweaters that were supposed to become sweater bunnies but have been sitting in a heap instead. I hacked them all up into manageable pieces.

I saved all the sleeves intact so that I could try my hand at making some wool longies.

I think I'm going to start with the blue ribbed ones and then move onto the crazy giraffe print ones. They are both super soft merino wool.

Sorry to be away soooo long.

2009-04-05T14:06:00.008-04:00

So after a super duper long, long break I'm back to posting and am going to try to keep it sort of regular. I'm even working on a free knitting pattern. Stay tuned.

I've been knitting on and off (mostly off due to a shoulder injury, blah) and here is the progress:

It 's the beginning of a baby blanket for the new little one coming in July. The pattern is from Mason-Dixon Knitting and is the Moderne Baby Blanket which is done with "log cabin" style knitting. I must confess this is one of my favortie ways to knit a blanket because it allows for a ton of freedom and lots of creativity. I'm using Knitpicks Swish Worsted Yarn in allspice, marine heather, tidepool heather, lawn and bok choy. I was a bit disappointed at the rustiness of the allspice but it's starting to grow on me. I was wanting this to be a gender neutral blanket but because of the rust seems to be leaning in the boy direction. I think I'd like to add a creamsicle orange to it or maybe a lavender to balance it out. Any suggestions???

Please help!!!

2008-12-08T14:08:00.001-05:00

National Bankruptcy Day This effects so many people please check it. Write your congress person. Let your friends know!

QuicK Note: My Computer has Crashed so...

2008-11-02T09:13:00.001-05:00

It may be awhile before I post again. Boo Hoo Hoo :(

Bad, really Bad Haircut

2008-10-26T22:14:00.004-04:00

So, after a day at the mall on Saturday where every, I mean every person said "oh, what a beautiful little girl" or something to that effect about Loki, I took the matter into my own hands.

Armed with scissors and no one to talk me out of it. I trimmed Loki's bangs (which needed it as they where in his eyeballs.)

Then for some crazy reason I thought "hey let's just nick the back since his sitting so still" oh, this is where I went wrong, really wrong. Bad went to worse in seconds flat as Loki was all done wit the hair cut even if I was not. ahhhh. Now I'm all sulky and have only myself to blame. Bah.

A picture will follow (he's sleeping.)

The Little Seedling AKA Tree City Diapers

2008-10-09T08:15:00.003-04:00

Hey just wanted to give a heads up that the store formerly know as Tree City Diapers is moving and changing.

355 S. Zeeb Rd

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Also, they are carrying my Kookababy products, they have unique sweaterbunnies that you can't get on Etsy, so go..Check it out!!

Close up!

2008-10-05T15:52:00.000-04:00

Gotta Get It Done

2008-10-05T15:37:00.003-04:00

So , here is a sweater I've been knitting since spring. It should be done already, but...of course it's not. I'm knitting from a smashing together of 2 different patterns. the five fruits pattern from the defunct magknits and the Ann Norling top down raglin kids sweater. I had to make adjustments because I'm using silky wool to knit with and the gauge needed to be adjusted. It's going to be a great sweater. Hopefully I can knock it out before snow flies.

Interview with a bunny maker

2008-09-25T15:28:00.002-04:00

Hey, check out my interview on http://izzy-it.blogspot.com